SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Kakono hydroelectric project in Tanzania: $300 million from banks

Tanzania continues its energy development with the construction of the Kakono hydroelectric power plant. With $300 million in funding, the 87.8 MW plant will meet the country's growing electricity needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

The construction of the 87.8 MW Kakono hydropower plant in Tanzania, located on the Kagera River in the Kagera region, is being financed by a consortium of development partners. This project will increase renewable energy generation capacity and reduce hydrological risks with a new dam located in a watershed less affected by droughts.

A project to serve 4 million people

Agreements signed between the Tanzanian government, the African Development Bank and the French Development Agency for two development loans worth $300 million will finance the construction of the plant. The project will be implemented by Tanzania’s Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and will also include the construction of associated infrastructure such as the upgrading of the existing Kyaka substation and a new 39 km 220 kV transmission line.

The project will serve approximately 4 million people, small and medium-sized businesses and mining companies, increasing service coverage by about 7% of the population. It is expected to have a major impact on the economic development of this growing region, which is at the heart of the Great Lakes region. In addition, the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 216,065 metric tons per year and will meet the best international environmental and social standards.

Project strengthens Tanzania’s role in the region

The Kakono hydropower plant is co-financed by a $161.47 million soft loan from the African Development Bank, a €110 million ($120.1 million) soft loan from AFD and a €36 million ($39.3 million) grant from the EU. The project is also expected to strengthen Tanzania’s position within the East African Community, promoting industrialization and economic growth in the country and in neighboring countries.

“The construction of the new plant will help improve TANESCO’s financial viability through the decommissioning of diesel power plants in the Kagera region,” said the African Development Bank’s Country Director for Tanzania, Patricia Laverley. “The economic benefits of providing affordable electricity will be immense. We can expect a significant improvement in the quality of life for the people of the Kagera region and Tanzania as a whole. These significant gains will help build a more competitive economy in Tanzania.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Australian port congestion reshapes coal flows to South Korea
Acciona Energía deploys a 412MWp solar plant in Rajasthan
Elcogen opens €50mn plant in Estonia for fuel cells and electrolysers
Greece and Libya resume talks on maritime delimitation
Hive Hydrogen secures approval for 1,000 MW wind farm in South Africa
Italy could unlock €16bn in hydropower through new concession model
A TEHA-Enel report highlights that 86% of Italy's hydropower concessions are expiring, threatening key investments and the country's energy security.
Hull Street Energy acquires 13 hydroelectric dams in Michigan
Hull Street Energy has signed an agreement to acquire thirteen hydroelectric dams from Consumers Energy, totalling 132 MW, further consolidating its position in the North American hydro sector.
Ethiopia commissions Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is now fully operational, with a planned capacity of 5,150 MW, marking a key step in the country’s energy deployment.
Minesto launches microgrid project in the Faroe Islands with local integration
Sweden's Minesto begins a SEK25mn ($2.26mn) tidal microgrid project in the Faroe Islands, targeting integration with local applications such as electric vehicle charging and industrial processes.
Renaissance Dam could generate $1bn annual revenues for Ethiopia
The Grand Renaissance Dam, set to be inaugurated in September, aims to produce 5,000 megawatts and could generate up to $1 billion per year for Ethiopia, according to the government.
Paris and Brussels reach agreement to unlock hydroelectric investment in France
A principle agreement between Paris and Brussels opens the way to reforming the legal framework of hydroelectric concessions in France, ending a deadlock that lasted over ten years.
Eco Wave Power activates its first operational wave power station at the Port of Los Angeles
Swedish company Eco Wave Power has completed testing of its technology at the Port of Los Angeles, reaching a tangible milestone with the launch of its floaters to generate electricity from waves.
Georgia Power launches targeted upgrades on its aging hydropower fleet
Georgia Power continues technical upgrades at several hydroelectric plants in Georgia, with approval from the public regulator, to ensure the reliability of the state’s electricity grid.
Brazil Mobilizes $1 Billion for 65 Hydropower Plants
A landmark auction in Brazil allocates 815 MW to medium-sized hydroelectric plants, with grid injection scheduled from 2030.
ISDN acquires 51% of PT Funda to expand its hydropower assets in Indonesia
ISDN Holdings strengthens its position in Indonesia by acquiring a majority stake in PT Funda, integrating hydropower capabilities across the entire project lifecycle and consolidating its renewable energy investments.
Taiwan Allocates a Port Area to Wave Energy Through a Public Tender
The Port of Suao becomes the first site in Taiwan open to commercial testing of wave energy production, following the allocation of Lot C to I-KE International Ocean Energy Co., partner of Eco Wave Power.
Eco Wave Power Expands Global Presence Despite Rising Mid-Year Losses
With active projects across four continents and strong liquidity, Eco Wave Power accelerates its expansion strategy while absorbing a rise in operational costs in H1 2025.
Eco Wave Power completes installation of pilot project at the Port of Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power has completed the full installation of its wave energy system at the Port of Los Angeles, paving the way for initial operational tests scheduled for September.
China launches 60 GW hydropower dam and creates dedicated public group
A 60-gigawatt hydropower dam under construction in Tibet will increase national capacity by 16%, with an estimated cost of $167bn supported by a new state entity.
Eco Wave Power installs its first wave energy floaters at the Port of Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power has completed the installation of floaters for its pilot project in Los Angeles, marking a strategic milestone in the validation and commercialisation of its wave energy technology in the US market.
Brookfield invests up to $1 billion to increase its stake in Isagen
Brookfield Renewable announces an investment of up to $1 billion to increase its stake in the Colombian energy company Isagen to 38%. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is also co-investing to raise its stake to 15%.
China allocates $167.1bn for strategic dam in Tibet
Beijing has launched the construction of a colossal dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, with $167.1bn in public investment, drawing attention from New Delhi and downstream states.
Brookfield signs 3,000 MW agreement with Google for hydropower in the United States
Brookfield and Google formalise an unprecedented framework agreement to supply up to 3,000 MW of hydropower, with initial contracts worth more than $3 billion for facilities in Pennsylvania.
Eco Wave Power completes production of floaters for its wave energy pilot project in Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power Global AB announces the completion of floaters manufacturing for its first American pilot plant, marking a major step towards the imminent deployment of wave energy at the Port of Los Angeles.
Eco Wave Power receives €2.45mn from EU to deploy wave energy
Eco Wave Power Global AB joins a consortium funded with €2.45mn by the European Interreg Atlantic Area programme to accelerate commercial implementation of wave energy technologies in Atlantic coastal regions.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.